How to Edge Tile Countertop Wood

Whatever material is on top of your countertop, the base of it is almost certainly wood --- usually particleboard. The front edge of the counter doesn't have to be covered with the same material as the upper surface, but it does have to be covered with something. Bullnose tile is finished on the edges, so it forms a border when you line it up. This approach works whether the upper surface is tile, wood or other material.

Belt sander
Tape measure
Pencil
Tile mastic
Notched trowel
Bullnose tiles (same width as countertop edge)
Tile spacers
Tile cutter
Grout
Grout float
Sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Run the belt sander over the front edge of the wood of the counter, getting it dull and flat.
- 2
  Measure across the length of the counter, finding and marking the middle with a pencil.
- 3
  Spread mastic over edge with your notched trowel. Press a bullnose tile to the edge, on one side of the center line. Put the next border tile next to it, with spacers between them.
- 4
  Repeat and continue, hanging the tiles all along the edge with spacers between them. Cut the end tiles as needed to fit, using your tile cutter. Let the tiles set overnight and remove the spacers.
- 5
  Spread grout over the tiles with a grout float, scraping the edge of the float over the surface to press the grout into the spaces between. Wipe off the residual grout with a damp sponge.

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